How to Make a Push-Pin Bulletin Board Over a Desk

An artist's canvas serves as backing material for a DIY bulletin board.

A push-pin bulletin board gives you ample space to hang your to-do notes and inspirational images within view while you're seated at your desk, reminding you to stay focused as you work or craft. Rather than settling for a drab corkboard from an office supply shop, make your own bulletin board for a functional piece that also serves as decor. Use patterned fabric that suits the room's style as the bulletin board's covering -- it can be swapped out seasonally or whenever you're ready for a fresh view.

1

Cover the work surface with newspaper to protect it from adhesive.

2

Set the cork atop the cardboard, smoothing it out if it was rolled.

3

Place the art canvas atop the cork, face down. Trace around the canvas, onto the cork, using a pencil or permanent marker.

4

Move the canvas off the cork and place it face up on the work surface. Cut the traced cork out with scissors.

5

Apply craft adhesive liberally over the surface of the canvas -- just the large area that would normally feature a painting, and not the sides. Align the cork so it fits precisely over the canvas, pressing down and smoothing it to spread the adhesive. Wipe away excess adhesive that squirts out, using a slightly damp cloth. Allow the adhesive to dry completely, as recommended on the packaging.

6

Remove the newspaper from the work surface. Place a piece of decorative fabric face-down atop a clean work area. Flip the art canvas face down atop the fabric, centering it over the fabric.

7

Fold one edge of the fabric up and around the back of one side of the canvas, stapling it to the wood frame every 2 inches. Repeat the process with the opposite side, pulling the fabric taut to remove slack.

8

Repeat Step 7 with the remaining two sides of the fabric, tucking corners under for neatness, as if wrapping a gift. Add extra staples along the folded corners on the back of the canvas. Trim excess fabric with scissors.

Things You Will Need

Flattened cardboard box

Large cork sheet

Stretched artist's canvas

Pencil or permanent marker

Scissors

Craft epoxy suitable for porous materials

Damp cloth

Decorative fabric, at least 4 inches longer and wider than the artist's canvas

Staple gun

Tip

If the cork sheet is a little thin for your liking, apply two or more layers of it to the canvas, gluing each layer onto the previous one.

You can use an old painted art canvas that's no longer needed in place of a fresh canvas.

Stretched artist canvas refers to the type stretched over a wood frame, and is available in many sizes from art supply and craft stores.

Hang the bulletin board from two parallel nails on the wall behind the desk, or prop it up on the back of the desk, leaning it up against the wall.

About the Author

Kathy Adams won several investigative journalism awards from the Associated Press. Adams has ghostwritten several books and content for A-list musicians' websites. She is equally at home repurposing furniture and found objects into art as she is managing bands and community gardening efforts, running non-profit organizations and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals.